Systems and methods for documenting networks with electronic modules

ABSTRACT

A documentation system for a network having a source device which is connected to a network path which is connected to a destination device, the documentation system comprising, a data port which includes an electronic module with an identification code on the network path, the destination device including an electronic module with an identification code, the source device having the capability to send query signals along the network path addressed to a data port and destination device corresponding to the network path, the electronic module corresponding to the data port responding to the query addressed to the data port by transmitting its identification code to the source device, and the electronic module of the destination device responding to the query addressed to the destination device by transmitting its identification code to the source device, and a processor and a switch in communication with the source device, the processor and switch for directing the source device to send the query signals, to interpret the responses, and to re-send the query signals if a collision occurs between responses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is claiming priority to the previously filedU.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/352,826, filed Jan.30, 2002, entitled “Network Documentation System With ElectronicModules,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As communication network utilization and technology continues toescalate, the typical local area network (LAN) is simultaneously growinglarger and denser, and it is increasingly desirable and advantageous tocontinuously document the physical paths of network interconnections andthe physical locations of network components, including networkconnectors or ports in such paths and destination devices, e.g.,personal computers or telephones.

[0003] Such a documentation system provides many advantages, includingfacilitating the planning and revision processes, the determination ofthe location of the physical area of a discontinuity in the networkpath, and the determination of the physical locations of destinationdevices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] There is provided a documentation system for a network having asource device which is connected to at least one destination devicethrough at least one intermediate network path element. The sourcedevice has the capability to transmit a query signal directed to anydestination device to which it is connected and each destination devicehas the capability to send a response signal containing itsidentification code back to the source device. In addition, the sourcedevice has the capability to transmit a query signal directed to anyintermediate network path element which has a physical location in adesignated zone, and an electronic module in the intermediate networkpath element has the capability to return a response signal containingits identification code back to the source device. The source may beadapted to re-send a query signal if one or more response signals arenot received.

[0005] The network documentation system utilizes software to direct thesource device to sequentially send query signals directed to destinationdevices to which it is connected and to intermediate network pathelements in each designated zone to which it is connected. The responsesignals are interpreted by the software to document the networkconfiguration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the drawings:

[0007]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a documentation system in accordancewith a first embodiment of the invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a documentation system in accordancewith a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[0009] The invention is directed to apparatus and methods whichautomatically provide documentation of a network system, hereinaftercalled “the system.” This description incorporates by reference in theirentireties previously filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/060,608,filed Jan. 30, 2002, entitled “Network Documentation System WithElectronic Modules,” along with prior filed applications Ser. No.60/270,811, filed Feb. 23, 2001, and No. 60/297,289, filed Jun. 11,2001, both entitled “Apparatus And Method For Efficient NetworkReconfiguration” and incorporated by reference therein in theirentireties.

[0010] To improve the accuracy, efficiency and capability of documentinga network system, electronic modules are placed into electroniccommunication networks with corresponding ports or nodes of the networksuch that connecting apparatus, connecting the respective ports or nodesto a source device, also provide a mechanism by which query and responsesignals may be routed between the source device and the connected portsor nodes in the system in the same manner that data signals may betransmitted between them. The signals may be transmitted over the sameor a different medium from the data signals (e.g., common or separatewire or fiber). The electronic modules have associated identificationelements that may have a single component or multiple components, andthe modules are capable of receiving and recognizing query signalsdirected to them and responding by transmitting their identificationcode back to the source device. Thus, the system may utilize signalsdirected toward and received from all of the respective data ports ornodes in the system and thereby formulate a “map” of the entire systemas it is physically configured.

[0011] In State of the Art documentation systems, such as the HPOpenview System, and/or Element Management Systems, such as Cisco Works,a source device, i.e. a switch, sends a query signal through onedesignated network path that causes any destination device, i.e. apersonal computer, that receives the query to transmit a response signalcontaining its identification code to the source device.

[0012] The inventive documentation and fault detection systemcontemplates the preferable use of electronic modules in every finaldestination device within a network, as well as in every network portwhich connects the source device to the final destination devices.Documentation systems and methods according to the present invention maybe employed in Ethernet networks, including switched Ethernet networks.Each module can receive a query signal from a source, e.g., a switch,and ascertain whether the signal is directed to it by the use ofidentification codes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, eachelectronic module which is in a designated physical location zone withinthe system has a unique zone address code. In some preferableembodiments of the invention, the ports and their corresponding modulesmay be stratified into “zones” based on their relative proximity, in anelectrical or communications sense, to the source device and/or thefinal destination device. In these embodiments, since each signalultimately travels only along one path given a particular networkconfiguration, every port/module within a particular zone has the samezone addressing information, however each module retains a uniqueidentification code which is transmitted to the source device inresponse to a query directed to it.

[0013] For example, a typical network may include a pair of patch panelports for cross-connecting between a source and one or moredestinations. In such an arrangement, the group of patch panel ports(and the electronic modules contained therein) closer to the source froma communications standpoint (i.e., the signal path direction) would beclassified as zone 1. The next group of ports/modules along the signalpath (i.e., the patch panel ports closer to the destination devices)would be classified as zone 2 in this example. The destination deviceswould be classified as zone 3.

[0014] The source sequentially sends a signal along respective outputpaths directed to any module along the path having a specified zoneaddress. The one module in such zone along each respective path then, inturn, transmits back to the source when it receives the signal intendedfor its zone. The return signal includes the identification code of themodule returning the signal. Using this procedure and informationpreviously known to the documented system (e.g., the physical locationof each port as identified by the unique identification codes thereof),the system can map (i.e. document) which ports and destination devicesare connected along any particular signal path.

[0015] Each electronic module in the system would require a power supplywhich, in various embodiments of the invention, could be provided by apair of conductors which could also be signal pairs or a battery. In anetwork system employing twisted wire pairs for carrying signals, thesystem could use one or more of the signal pairs to receive and transmitsignals to and from particular electronic modules, including thoseassociated with particular destination devices, sources, and networkports there between from a communications standpoint. A fiber optic orother LAN system could incorporate two conductors in each cable to beadapted for the same purpose.

[0016] As seen in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, acomputer or processor 10 is connected to a switch 12. At the directionof the processor, the switch may periodically or on-demand poll one ormore of the data ports in the system to ascertain information about theports. Alternatively or additionally, this polling may be accomplishedusing a software module provided on a computer or processor. Suchpolling may occur on a zone-by-zone basis, with the source devicesequentially sending a signal, such as a query signal, along respectiveoutput lines directed to any electronic module along the path having thespecified zone address. The identified module may then return itsidentification code back to the source. In this manner, the entiresystem may effectively be mapped (i.e., documented). The switch maypreferably be in communication with a source device 14 and one or moredestination devices 16.

[0017] A first zone 18 of data ports 20 may preferably be congregated ona single patch panel or network rack, and each of the data ports 20 iselectrically connected directly with the source device 14. Each of thedata ports 20, identified as “DP” in the figures, has an electronicmodule 22, identified as “EM” in the figures, in electricalcommunication therewith. Preferably, the first zone 18 of data portsincludes a test port 23 disposed proximately thereto for permittingconnection of a test plug. A second zone 24 of data ports 26 may also becongregated on another patch panel or network rack, and each of the dataports 26 is electrically connected directly with one of the destinationdevices 16. Each of the data ports 26 has an electronic module 28 inelectrical communication therewith. Preferably, the second zone 24 ofdata ports includes a test port 29 disposed proximately thereto forpermitting connection of a test plug. Additionally, the source device 14preferably includes an electronic module 30 in electrical communicationtherewith and the destination devices 16 each include an electronicmodule 32 in electrical communication therewith. In FIG. 1, connectivelines represent possible electrical connections that may be achieved bythe use of patch cords and cables, and an exemplary system having sixdestination devices connected to a source device is shown.

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates an interconnect configuration wherein the firstzone 18 is a patch panel and the second zone 24 are the outlet ports(e.g., wall outlet jacks) to which the destination devices areconnected. According to one embodiment of the present invention, thedestination devices may be provided with state of the art electronicmodules with common address codes and unique identification codes.

[0019] The outlet ports are identified as “DO” in FIG. 2. Thedestination outlets, while not qualitatively different than the dataports 7-12 of FIG. 1, are disposed proximately to the destinationdevices 16 to which they are connected. This provides the benefit ofknowing approximately where a particular destination device isphysically located based on its proximity to a destination outlet whichis fixed in the physical world. Thus, by focusing on the identificationcode of the electronic module of the particular destination outlet,rather than that of the destination device itself, the approximatelocation of the destination device may be ascertained by the system.

[0020] Among the many benefits of the invention is the ability tocompletely map out a particular network configuration. In status quosystems, when a source and destination are no longer in communication,it cannot generally be easily determined which link in the pathway thatconnects them is the problematic link. In the present invention, eachintersection, i.e., LAN port, has associated with it an electronicmodule having a zone address code, and because response signals from aparticular electronic module include the identification code of themodule, pathways from a source to a destination can be more clearlyidentified on a link-by-link or zone-by-zone basis. Physical locationsof ports and destination devices and revision instructions can be moreefficiently determined for a particular reconfiguration.

[0021] In various embodiments of this invention, this same query signalalso causes one or a plurality of ports which contain electronic modulesalong said network path to add its response containing itsidentification code as a suffix or a series of suffixes to the responsefrom the destination device or the various responses could be receivedin any order.

[0022] In one embodiment, only the port to which the destination deviceis connected to is equipped with an electronic module. This electronicmodule responds to a query from the source device after a pre-set timedelay which is long enough for the response from the destination deviceto have occurred. The source device therefore receives the response fromthe destination device followed by the response from said port.

[0023] In a similar embodiment, additional electronic modules arelocated in ports in specified zones in the network path between saidport and the source device and each zone electronic module has adesignated time delay to correspond to its designated zone. In thismanner, the entire path between the switch and ultimate device can bedocumented.

[0024] In another embodiment, only the port to which the destinationdevice is connected is equipped with an electronic module. Saidelectronic module receives the query followed by the response from thedestination device or it receives only the response from the destinationdevice and it sends its response containing its identification code.

[0025] In a similar embodiment, additional electronic modules arelocated in ports in specified zones in the network path. Theseelectronic modules receive the query followed by the response from thedestination device or they receive only the response from thedestination device followed by the successive responses from each ofsaid ports which are closer to the destination device along the networkpath than it is and it then sends its response containing itsidentification code.

[0026] In another embodiment, only the port to which the destinationdevice is connected is equipped with an electronic module which respondsimmediately with its identification code when a query from the sourcedevice is received. Subsequently, the destination device responds to thesource query with its identification code.

[0027] In another embodiment, only the port to which the destinationdevice is connected is equipped with an electronic module which respondswith its identification code after a query from the source device isreceived. The destination device responds to the same query with itsidentification code after it is received. The above two identificationcodes could be received in any order. If there is a collision of signalsand both responses are not received by the source device, the query isrepeated.

[0028] In a similar embodiment, only the port to which the destinationdevice is connected is equipped with an electronic module which receivesand stores the responses from the destination device. It then sends itstotal response which includes the response from the destination deviceplus its identification code.

[0029] In a similar embodiment, each electronic module receives andstores the responses from the destination device and the responses fromall electronic modules for each said port which is closer to thedestination device along the network path than it is. It then sends itstotal response which includes said stored responses followed by itsindividual response containing its identification code.

[0030] In another embodiment, the port to which the destination deviceis connected is equipped with an electronic module. In response to aninquiry from the source device, an electronic module in the destinationdevice sends an inquiry to the electronic module in the port and itresponds to the destination device with its identification code. Thedestination device then responds to the source device with itsidentification code followed by the port identification code.

[0031] An application of the above embodiments is a VoIP telephonewherein it is desirable to know the physical location of the telephonein the event an emergency 911 call is made from the telephone. While thephysical location of the telephone can be changed, the physical locationof the port to which it is connected is known if the port'sidentification code is known. Therefore, the physical location of anemergency call made with any telephone connected to a particular port isknown by the identification code associated with said port. Associationsbetween identification codes and specific ports may be recorded in atable or map containing physical locations along with identificationcodes of ports at the physical locations.

[0032] An advantage of these documentation systems is that they can beattained by adding said electronic modules and altering the software ofsaid State of the Art documentation systems. The generation of anyadditional query signals to those generated by said State of the Artsystem is not required.

[0033] It should be noted that the above-described inventioncontemplates many embodiments not specifically described, and theexplicitly described embodiments should be considered to be exemplaryrather than definitional. As an example of an alternative notspecifically described, without limitation or exclusion, the presentinvention may be employed in a network system having a distinctindicator, such as an LED, adjacent some or all of the LAN ports in thenetwork. Such indicators may then be used to assist the revisor inidentifying LAN ports requiring the insertion or removal of a cord plug.

[0034] While particular embodiments and applications of the presentinvention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the precise construction andcompositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes,and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for locating devices within a network having a source device which is connected to at least one network path having a destination device attached thereto, said system comprising: a port which includes an electronic module with an identification code on said at least one network path; said destination device including an electronic module with an identification code; said source device having the capability to send a query signal along said at least one network path addressed to said port and said destination device corresponding to said at least one network path; said electronic module corresponding to said port responding to said query addressed to said port by transmitting in a port transmission its identification code to said source device; and said electronic module of said destination device responding to said query addressed to said destination device by transmitting in a destination device transmission its identification code to said source device; wherein said source device is adapted to re-send said query signal if both said port transmission and said destination device transmission are not received at said source device.
 2. The documentation system of claim 1 wherein said port is a patch panel port.
 3. The documentation system of claim 1 wherein said port is an outlet port directly connected to said destination device.
 4. The documentation system of claim 3 wherein said outlet port is a wall outlet jack.
 5. A documentation system for a network having a source device connected to a plurality of network paths, said documentation system comprising: a port corresponding to at least one of said network paths; a destination device coupled to said port along said at least one network path; an electronic module associated with said port, said electronic module having an identification code; an electronic module associated with said destination device, said electronic module having an identification code; a transmitter associated with said source device for transmitting query signals along respective ones of said network paths; and a receiver associated with said source device for receiving response signals from said respective ones of said network paths; wherein each of said electronic modules is capable of recognizing a particular query as corresponding to its identification code and responding to a transmission of a query signal by returning a response signal having its identification code back to said source device, said source device being adapted to re-transmit one of said query signals upon failing to receive response signals.
 6. The documentation system of claim 5 wherein said port is a patch panel port.
 7. The documentation system of claim 5 wherein said port is an outlet port.
 8. The documentation system of claim 7 wherein said outlet port is a wall outlet jack.
 9. A method for identifying and locating devices within a network comprising: sending a query from a source device along a network path having a port in communication with said source device and a destination device connected to said port, said port having a port electronic module associated therewith, said destination device having a destination device electronic module associated therewith, each of said electronic modules having an identification code associated therewith; receiving said query at said port; responding to said query by sending from said port to said source device a port response signal containing said identification code associated with said port electronic module; receiving said query at said destination device; responding to said query by sending from said destination device to said source device a destination device response signal containing said identification code associated with said destination device electronic module; monitoring said port response signal and said destination device response signal at said source device; and re-sending said query from said source device along said network path if either of said port response signal or said destination device response signal is not received by said source device.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein said step of responding to said query by sending said port response signal is completed before said step of responding to said query by sending said destination device response signal.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein said step of responding to said query by sending said destination device response signal is completed before said step of responding to said query by sending said port response signal.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein said port is a patch panel port.
 13. The method of claim 7 wherein said port is a wall outlet jack.
 14. A method for documenting network systems having a network path with source device at a first end, a port having a port electronic module along said network path, and a destination device having a destination device electronic module at a second end comprising: sending a query signal from said source device; monitoring at said source device a port response signal comprising a port identification code from said port and a destination device response signal comprising a destination device identification code from said destination device; and repeating said step of sending said query signal if both said port response signal and said destination device response signal are not received by said source device.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said port is a patch panel port.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein said port is an outlet port.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said outlet port is a wall outlet jack.
 18. A network documentation system comprising: a source device for sending a query signal; a network path for carrying said query signal; a port along said network path, said port comprising a port electronic module storing a port identification code associated with said port, said port electronic module adapted to respond to said query signal by sending to said source device along said network path a port response signal comprising said port identification code; a destination device in communication with said port, said destination device comprising a destination device electronic module storing a destination device identification code associated with said destination device, said destination device electronic module adapted to respond to said query signal by sending to said source device along said network path a destination device response signal comprising said destination device identification code.
 19. The network documentation system of claim 18 wherein said port is located in a patch panel.
 20. The network documentation system of claim 18 wherein said port is an outlet port connected to said destination device.
 21. The network documentation system of claim 20 wherein said outlet port is a wall outlet jack.
 22. The network management system of claim 18 wherein said destination device is a voice-over-internet-protocol phone.
 23. The network management system of claim 18 wherein said source device is adapted to re-send said query signal if no response signals are received at said source device following a query.
 24. A system for locating devices within a network having a source device which is connected to at least one network path having a destination device connected thereto, said system comprising: a port which includes an electronic module with an identification code on said at least one network path; said destination device including an electronic module with an identification code; said source device having the capability to send a query signal along said at least one network path; said electronic module corresponding to said port responding to said query by transmitting its identification code to said source device; and said electronic module of said destination device responding to said query by transmitting its identification code to said source device; wherein said source device is adapted to re-send said query signal if a collision results between said identification codes.
 25. The documentation system of claim 24 wherein said port is a patch panel port.
 26. The documentation system of claim 24 wherein said port is an outlet port directly connected to said destination device.
 27. The documentation system of claim 26 wherein said outlet port is a wall outlet jack.
 28. A documentation system for a network having a source device connected to a plurality of network paths, said documentation system comprising: a port corresponding to at least one of said network paths; a destination device coupled to said port along said at least one network path; an electronic module associated with said port, said electronic module having an identification code; an electronic module associated with said destination device, said electronic module having an identification code; a transmitter associated with said source device for transmitting query signals along respective ones of said network paths; and a receiver associated with said source device for receiving response signals from said respective ones of said network paths; wherein each of said electronic modules is capable of responding to a transmission of a query signal by returning a response signal having its identification code back to said source device, said source device being adapted to re-transmit one of said query signals upon failing to receive a response signal.
 29. The documentation system of claim 28 wherein said port is a patch panel port.
 30. The documentation system of claim 28 wherein said port is an outlet port.
 31. The documentation system of claim 30 wherein said outlet port is a wall outlet jack.
 32. A method for identifying and locating devices within a network comprising: sending a first query from a source device along a network path having a port in communication with said source device and a destination device in communication with said port, said first query directed to said port, said port having a port electronic module associated therewith, said destination device having a destination device electronic module associated therewith, each of said electronic modules having an identification code associated therewith; sending a second query from said source device directed to said destination device receiving said first query at said port; responding to said first query by sending from said port to said source device a port response signal containing said identification code associated with said port electronic module; receiving said second query at said destination device; responding to said second query by sending from said destination device to said source device a destination device response signal containing said identification code associated with said destination device electronic module; monitoring said port response signal and said destination device response signal at said source device; and re-sending said first and second queries from said source device along said network path if either of said port response signal or said destination device response signal is not received by said source device.
 33. A network system comprising: a network path; a source device at one end of said network path adapted to send a query down said network path; a port along said network path adapted to receive said query and respond with a port identification signal; and a destination device along said path adapted to receive said query and respond with a destination device identification signal. 